Research considers rural violence experience

Studies indicate higher proportions of rural women experience intimate partner violence than urban women but to-date, most research has investigated abuse in urban environments.

The Australian Alliance for Social Enterprise, based at the University of SA, this week releases new research examining the unique challenges facing young IPV victims in country locations.

Conducted in conjunction with Uniting Country SA and led by research fellow Catherine Mackenzie, the study interviewed country women aged 16 to 24 years, along with other women who had experienced intimate partner violence when they were of that age.

"Young country women experience similar types of intimate partner violence to those reported by women in urban environments, including non-physical but deeply traumatising types of abuse such as social isolation and internet-based abuse," Dr Mackenzie said.

"But there tend to be differences stemming from the interplay of environment, culture, prevalence of poverty, access to services and the often tight-knit nature of country communities."

The research showed that in rural and regional areas, workers in local legal and social services were likely to know the victim and perpetrator, which could make women hesitant to seek assistance.

"Young women who experienced IPV described not recognising it at the time, particularly if the violence was not physical, and reported being unsure where to seek support," Dr Mackenzie said.

"They also expressed concern about potential repercussions of seeking services, for example not being believed or their boyfriend getting in trouble."

There were also key patterns that went across rural and urban environments in terms of technology help to form relationships - through social media, dating apps and messaging apps - but also being a common tool abusers used to control their partners, Dr Mackenzie said.

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The study makes key recommendations for service providers, including the need for greater awareness among youth workers of signs of IPV; development of stronger informal support networks; and improved education, so that young women recognise abusive behaviour and understand their support options.

Dr Mackenzie says the research also emphasises the need for wider social change.

"We need to advocate for a cultural shift across country communities to change attitudes and reduce power imbalances between women and men, which tend to be more prevalent in country areas," she said.

Uniting Country SA executive manager services Tracy Holden said this research was important in their actions.

"It will have a huge impact when working with young women in country regions," she said.